Former hostage, Eitan Mor, reunites with parents after release on Monday.

In a major breakthrough after two years of devastating conflict, Hamas on Monday released the last 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The move marks a turning point in the war and paves the way for a fragile peace process involving large-scale prisoner releases and international mediation.

The hostages, all men, were handed over to the International Red Cross and transferred to Israeli custody. Emotional scenes erupted in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where thousands gathered to celebrate their return after more than 700 days in captivity. Families wept and embraced as news of the releases spread across Israel.

“After more than 700 long, painful days, Omri will finally receive from his children a healing embrace,” said the family of one freed hostage in a statement that captured the mood of relief nationwide.

As part of the same agreement, Israel began releasing nearly 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including dozens serving long sentences. Hamas is also expected to return the remains of 28 dead hostages in the coming days. The exchanges are part of the first phase of a 20-point plan proposed by the United States to end hostilities and initiate talks on Gaza’s future governance.

The ceasefire, which came into effect on October 10, was the result of intense negotiations led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Arriving in Israel to a standing ovation at the Knesset, Trump declared that “as far as I’m concerned, the war is over.” He is expected to co-chair a regional peace summit in Egypt later Monday alongside President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss the next steps toward a lasting truce.

Despite the historic prisoner and hostage releases, tensions remain high. In Gaza, Hamas fighters conducted armed displays outside hospitals and government buildings in what analysts described as a “symbolic show of strength.” Israeli military officials, meanwhile, have warned that troops will not fully withdraw from Gaza until long-term security guarantees are established.

Humanitarian agencies continue to sound the alarm over conditions in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed and much of the territory lies in ruins. Rebuilding efforts are expected to take years, even under sustained peace.